Friday, November 25, 2011

Outdoor Room Decorating Ideas

Surrounded by bright colours, stucco walls, and tropical plants, why bother globe-trotting? This Asian-island-inspired backyard oasis is the perfect spot to entertain guests and enjoy nature. An oversize umbrella ties the outdoor room elements together, providing guests a place to socialize in the shade.

Backyard OasisTable for Entertaining

Between the seating and cooking areas can be an ideal spot for a dining table. This long table provides ample room for hosting a dinner party. A turquoise-stained concrete patio resembles cool water for an added tropical vibe.

Backyard OasisPlay with Shapes

Strong geometric shapes take center stage in this outdoor space. Structural elements, like the curving wall of the patio, are offset with bold patterns. Here, floral printed throw pillows play off of the tropical plant surround, while a striped accent rug grounds the seating area. Paper lanterns illuminate the space and provide an Asian-influenced ambiance.

Backyard OasisAmenities for an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor amenities can make your patio or deck perfect for entertaining. This outdoor kitchen comes complete with a grill, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of counter space. The homeowner built the cabinet boxes from exterior-grade plywood and fronted them with durable ipe wood, which is both weather and insect-resistant. The cabinets were finished with a UV sealer for additional protection.

Backyard OasisWeather-Resistant Materials

Waterproof receptacles supply the electricity for this outdoor living space. Made from durable materials to outlast the elements, an on-deck shower provides a place to rinse off before heading inside. An interior switch for the plumbing allows water to be turned off and drained from inside the home during colder months.

Cozy CourtyardOpen Invitation

Make your outdoor room a fun place to entertain with all the amenities: comfortable seating, a cozy fire pit, natural plantings, and a food prep station. The layout of the room lets food go straight from grill to table while giving guests plenty of room to socialize.

Cozy CourtyardFocus on Entertaining

The backyard includes a full outdoor kitchen. The L-shape concrete bar is equipped with space-saving under-the-counter appliances, including a refrigerator, icemaker, trash collector, warming and utility drawers, and a grill.

Cozy Courtyard Elements of Style

Natural materials create a cohesive look from the front of the house to the back. Here, Abalone shells and river stones clad the fire pit and stylistically sync with the base of the bar.

Small Deck Makeover Just-Right Shading

A canopy system and right-size furnishings turn this deck into an inviting hangout. Retractable shade panels on a sliding track are attached to the pergola and block the sun's rays. The panels' neutral taupe color makes them look like an extension of the home.

Small Deck MakeoverPerfect Size

For smaller spaces, a quaint outdoor dining table and chairs are perfect for enjoying a casual meal and taking in the great outdoors. Here, a modest-size dining set with armless chairs provides ample seating without taking up too much space. Playful chartreuse seat cushions add zip to the deck's honey-hue stain, and potted plants embellish this outdoor oasis.

Small Deck Makeover Decorate with Durable Furniture

Create a cozy place to relax outdoors with outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements. Weather-worthy furniture is stylish, durable, and easy to care for. This seating area is composed of two recycled plastic chairs and a wicker ottoman that does double duty as a footrest and a coffee table.

Small Deck Makeover Two-In-One Outdoor Room

Blend the rest of your backyard to stage a perfect space for outdoor living. A walk-out patio below the deck offers additional seating in the shade with a dining set and hammock swing. Fabric curtains give the option of creating more privacy or blocking sunlight.

Beach GetawayIndoors to Outdoors

Turn a basic deck into a true living room by creating an inviting place to chat with friends and family. Here, a ready-made gazebo tent is integrated into the decorating scheme to offer protection from the sun and creates an intimate setting. A dining-height table does double duty as a coffee table and eating area for alfresco meals, while an attractive synthetic rug is an affordable option to ground the space.

Beach Getaway Splendid Shades

Nature-inspired accessories and outdoor furniture create easy comfort in this outdoor space. Roller shades attached to the tent rails provide additional protection from the sun and privacy, making the vintage teak daybed a perfect spot for backyard lounging.

Beach Getaway Barely-There Storage

Pretty pillows and cozy throws make a space feel lived-in and homey. Use a wicker basket to store nonweather resistant pillows and throws. The basket can easily be transported outdoors, and provides a designated spot to toss items that need to go indoors when the weather turns less than favorable.

Beach Getaway Blend into Your Surroundings

Weather-resistant fabric panels provide a romantic backdrop to this outdoor room, hiding the tent's structure and giving the space an intimate, enclosed feel. An assortment of potted plants blends the room with the yard.

My other blogs

Note from Zuhairah

If you're like the vast majority of homeowners, you're steadily paying down your home and finding ways to improve on your investment. For most of us, our home is our largest investment. Home is the place where we live and love and where we welcome friends and family. Home is the place that reflects who we are and what we're about.